1/21/2007 -- Cisco Systems this week announced the release of a new "written" exam to qualify candidates for its Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Service Provider certification.

Currently, candidates can qualify for the hands-on CCIE Service Provider lab exam by passing one of eight of CCIE written exams available. However, with the release of the new exam (#350-029), those wanting to attempt the Service Provider lab will need to pass the new exam beginning Feb. 1.

On that date, four of the current CCIE Service Provider qualification exams for this track will be retired; the others will remain available to use only for renewing Cisco certifications.

The company said the change is part of a larger revamp it announced for the CCIE Service Provider track in July. -Becky Nagel